2020-Jul-27
The Highly Misunderstood Snapping Turtle
Their primitive looks and menacing name have given the snapping turtle a bad reputation, but these gentle giants are too shy to bite your toes in the water. Although generally found close to shore, snapping turtles would rather swim away from you than have a confrontation. In fact the “snapping” is a protective measure they use on land when threatened because, unlike some turtles, they can’t retract their entire body inside their shell.
Snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtles in Canada, with individuals weighing up to 34 kg. Their carapace, or shell, is black or brown, and they have a long tail, but their most distinguishing feature is their hooked upper jaw. Snapping turtles are omnivorous, and play an important role in cleaning our waters by eating rotting fish, frogs, and vegetation that might otherwise contaminate the water.
Snapping turtles are currently listed as a species at risk in Ontario largely due to the loss of wetland habitats, road mortality, and egg predators such as raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. Road mortality is of particular concern in late 
spring and early summer as females move to lay eggs and again in late summer and early fall when the young hatchlings move from the nest to find water.
You can help alleviate road mortality by driving carefully and being aware when turtles are most vulnerable. You can even learn how to help turtles safely cross the road! There is a great instructional video here.
More information about snapping turtles can be found here.